Unit 11: Day 4, Mosiah 5–6

Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students, 2012

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Introduction

Mosiah 5 concludes King Benjamin’s address to his people that began in Mosiah 2. As a result of their faith in King Benjamin’s words, the people experienced a mighty change of heart. They entered into a covenant with God and took upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. As recorded in Mosiah 6, King Benjamin transferred his governing power over his kingdom to his son Mosiah, and Mosiah ruled in righteousness, following the example of his father.

King Benjamin’s people experience a mighty change

Think about the following questions: Have you ever wished you could change something about yourself? What did you do about it?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described the need for each of us to experience a mighty change in our lives: “The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through our reliance upon ‘the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah’ (2 Nephi 2:8). As we choose to follow the Master, we choose to be changed—to be spiritually reborn” (“Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 20).

You may want to write the following phrase in your scriptures next to Mosiah 5:2: “As we choose to follow the Master, we choose to be changed.”

In what ways do you think we choose to change when we choose to follow Jesus Christ? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Review the chapter summaries for Mosiah 3 and Mosiah 4 to recall the main focus of King Benjamin’s address. At the conclusion of his sermon, King Benjamin asked the people if they believed the words he had taught them about the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 5:1). Read Mosiah 5:2–4, and look for what changed in the hearts of the people after they listened to their king’s words. As you read, it will be helpful to know that “disposition” (Mosiah 5:2) refers to an individual’s attitudes, desires, or temperament.

Read the following statement from Elder David A. Bednar: “The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. … To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that ‘we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually’ (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin’s people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin” (“Clean Hands and a Pure Heart,” Ensign, Nov. 2007, 81–82).

1.

In your scripture study journal, answer the following questions:

a.

What do you think it means to experience a “mighty change” in your heart? (Mosiah 5:2).

b.

When we choose to follow Jesus Christ, why do we need to change our dispositions and not just our behavior?

c.

Why do you think the Atonement of Jesus Christ is necessary for a change to occur within us?

Study Mosiah 5:2, 4, looking for what the people did that allowed a mighty change of heart to occur within them. You might mark these things in your scriptures. Remember that King Benjamin’s words were about the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the people had great faith in these words.

One of the principles we learn from these verses is this: As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Spirit, we can experience a mighty change of heart.

2.

Based on your study of Mosiah 5:1–4 and the principle above, write in your scripture study journal what you can do to exercise more faith in the Savior. What specific things can you do, starting today, to exercise more faith so that you can encourage and maintain a mighty change of heart in your life?

King Benjamin’s people enter into a covenant with God and are given a new name

After King Benjamin’s people experienced a mighty change of heart, they desired to enter into a covenant with the Lord. Identify words or phrases in Mosiah 5:5 that show the level of commitment King Benjamin’s people felt toward making and keeping this covenant.

When we make covenants with God, He determines the conditions for the covenants, and we agree to the conditions. God then promises us certain blessings for our obedience (see D&C 82:10). Making covenants is one way we show the Lord we are sincere in our desires to serve Him.

3.

Answer the following questions in your scripture study journal:

a.

What phrases in Mosiah 5:5 remind you of the promises we renew each time we partake of the sacrament?

b.

How do you think making and keeping covenants help you maintain a mighty “change of heart”?

Refer back to Mosiah 1:11–12. One of King Benjamin’s purposes in gathering his people was to give them a name. Read Mosiah 5:6–7, and mark the name King Benjamin gave his people after they had made their covenant with the Lord.

These verses teach this principle: We take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ through sacred covenants. Read Mosiah 5:8–14, and look for why it is necessary for us to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.

What are some blessings of having the name of Jesus Christ written in our hearts? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

What can cause the name to be “blotted out” of your heart or someone’s heart? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read Mosiah 5:15, and look for the promises the Lord makes to those who keep their covenants.

4.

In your scripture study journal, write how you feel when you think about having the name of Jesus Christ written in your heart. Write one or more reasons why you want to keep this name and never lose it.